Registered Office, Superintendent's Office and Accounts Department

Guide to Information provided by PCT Healthcare Ltd under the model publication scheme

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 all public authorities are required to have and operate a publication scheme approved by the Information Commissioner. Those providing pharmaceutical services under contract to the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are public authorities in respect of information relating to those services.

It is the intention of the Information Commissioner that all public authorities should adopt and operate the one model scheme that has been approved. This is a very general scheme based on the principal that all public authorities need to recognise the public interest in the transparency of the services provided for and paid for by the general public. It is a commitment to make information easily available to the public.

Note: The scheme is only for information held as a public authority and does not include any information that is held for other purposes or would be exempt from release.

Anyone who has to pay could save money with a pre-payment certificate (PPC). You can call 0845 850 0030 to buy one over the phone or to get more details (or see http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx for more information and current prices)

The prescription charge is a tax paid directly to the NHS. It is not received by the pharmacist and does not form part of any remuneration to the pharmacy for NHS pharmaceutical services.

The NHS pays us a dispensing fee for each prescription item which we dispense. Current information on the dispensing fee which we receive can be found in the Drug Tariff, available from the Stationary Office. The Prescription Pricing Authority (www.ppa.nhs.uk) produces the Drug Tariff monthly. (See also http://www.psnc.org.uk/ ).

Some information in this class may not be released because it is confidential or commercial information or its release may be prejudicial to the conduct of the pharmacy’s affair.

FREE

What our priorities are and how we are doing

Plans for the development and provision of NHS services

Information relating to inspections carried out by the Primary Care Trust can be obtained directly from them. The contact details are on the pharmacy practice leaflet.

Some information in this class may not be released because it is confidential or commercial information or its release may be prejudicial to the conduct of the pharmacy’s affair.

Details of how to complain are published on the Practice leaflet for the pharmacy.

The complaints policy is in line with the Pharmaceutical Services Regulations and the NHS Complaints Policy. If you cannot resolve the problem or if you prefer not to raise the complaint with the pharmacy directly you may contact the Primary Care Trust or the Superintendent Pharmacist,
11 Manchester Road,
Walkden,
Manchester M28 3NS;
0161 703 3757; superoffice@pcthealthcare.com